Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:06:43 GMT

When does the Derby Dozen start? Please tell us that you're still going to do a Derby Dozen blog.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Ashley McConnell — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:46:16 GMT

I know that the Classic is the race everybody focuses on, but I have to confess that I would LOVE to see Zenyatta turned loose in the Marathon, and just let run. I think it would be amazing. (And it might get the endurance horses a little more respect!)

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Arlene — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:28:49 GMT

Steve.post positions are drawn. I hate to be a fairy tale optimist..but at this time of year..with the horse talent.trainer talent.and jockey talent..can at one time each year..knowing that they know any quirks..such as track bias..that everyone has been prepared..or been preparing..for showing that the best horse at this time will win..barring post position..it is no excuses..the best (horses) with the beat (training) with the best (jockeys) with the best (track presentation)..that is what I like about the Breeders Cup..it levels the fiedls..if they ARE the best..to display the best..every race is a best in its' own..but these connections have the tiime to prepare. Please, dilute the variables..and let the more talented, best prepared horse and connectiosn win, and get heir name in the books. This is what it is all about!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:18:16 GMT

Slew

You wear whatever you want to wear in public, or don't one to wear.

ruffianruns

I think Mo might get the Classic distances.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Deacon — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 07:12:24 GMT

John: The Santa Anita Handicap was the first race track to offer a purse of $100K. I believe that happened in 1935. Seabiscuit won his last race there in 1940.

Great blog Steve as always. Excellent conversation and sportsmanship by all.

No one has mentioned her but I think that the only lock (if that is possible) in all of these Breeder's Cup races is Blind Luck in the Ladies Classic. So many of them dropping out, what we finally see on Breeder's Cup Friday and Saturday is still so wide open. Good fortune to all.......

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Monty — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:58:48 GMT

This is an "opinion" blog we all have one, some good, some bad, some right some wrong, but they are opinions and predictions. If you don't agree so what, who died and left you in charge. Enjoy the fact that many of us agree to disagree, and move on ! Nothing personal but how can anyone hate the great horse Zenyatta really is? She just goes about her business and "wins" ! Don't dis-respect her for being "perfect", or her fans for adoring her ! Blame the trainer & owner if you must ? Go ZENYATTA, 20-0, you are the queen ...

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

ruffianruns — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:27:12 GMT

markinsac - Love your posts!

sherpa - In elementary school here in NM we had these kid maps. They just showed the U.S. and nothing else, no oceans, Canada or Mexico, just the shape of the mainland U.S. I knew that California had an ocean and that the east had an ocean, so I figured that the edge of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas must have an ocean too! (Nebraska would have had an ocean too!) I started hounding my mom to go to the ocean! She said, it's too far. When I insisted that it was only a little ways south of us, she had to pull out a REAL map and burst my bubble! Darn! At least I have big, beautiful mountains!

Slew - Vince Young blew me away too! That's a great description of that Championship game, one of the best performances ever. I followed him for awhile, but never saw that same magic.

Dr D - I know you think Jaycito will be better over the Classic distances, but you never know. Many thought Ruffian couldn't go long, but she did! Throughout the Filly Triple Crown, they were trying to teach her to rate, so in the Mother Goose when she ran :47 and 3 for the first half they were excited that she was going so slow! Even being heavily restrained in that race she set a stakes record and was 4/5ths off of Riva's track record. In the mile and a half Coaching Club American Oaks, again they restrained her into running the slowest fractions of her life, a :49 flat half. They finally let her go the last furlong, which she ran in :11 and 3, not even running all out. She was bucking after the wire. She had won the Filly Triple Crown without even trying. What a special horse she was. I really hope Uncle Mo can continue on as brilliant, and Boys, and I like Jaycito too! There are so many good young boys out there.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Slew — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:26:55 GMT

DR. D...Just found the nice sweatshirt my kids gave me last year. Big question...Can I wear my Dallas star in public? Oh well, at least it's the same colors as Penn State. I'm also pulling for the Titans because 1) I like Fisher's discipline & 2) I have never recovered from the awesome Championship game Vince Young played in college. I explained it to my kids this way, "Young throws a long pass, runs down the field, catches the pass, and runs in to score a TD."

At least, that what the game looked like to me. Too bad he's having such a hard time in the NFL.

As far as the BC, I'm waiting to find out where each horse will finally be entered because it seems to constantly be in flux...except for Zen. She's the "it" girl of the season, and I think she'll be the one to join Tiz Now with 2 Classics. (fingers crossed along with toes...difficult to walk around like this for 2 weeks). While I like Uncle Mo, I also like the Boys at Tosconova. I am a Kinsale King fan in the sprint, and I'm looking forward to a Gio-Goldie duel in the mile...unless he enters the ...oh never mind...it's just too early to pick the winners.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Dr Drunkinbum — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 04:27:06 GMT

ruffianruns

I agree- Shiver me Timbers. One of those times I suspect that the hype is justified. Uncle Mo is like finding a buried treasure. Blimey. Aye aye Capitan, I'll walk the plank if Mo loses the Juvy. I wish I could have seen Ruffian's first few races. It was a sight to behold I'm told. I did see the replays but that's not the same feeling you get from watching it as it happens. Mo's first two races had my jaw dropping. Definitely the most impressive 2yo this year for me, maybe ever. The BC Juvenile usually doesn't grab my attention like this one does. Can't wait to see him again. And Jaycito.

Slew

Maybe we'll have your Triple Crown next year so you can forget about dem Cowboys, although they're not out of it yet.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

John — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 03:49:18 GMT

Shortskinnylady,

Yes, Seabiscuit ran there as well as Round Table. If I'm not mistaken Aqua Caliente was the first track to host a $100,000 race.

Speaking of the Hollywood celebs and drinking I remember that in those "Gold" and "Silver" that had an army of waiters dressed up in tuxedos with white towels draped over one forearm running all over the place.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

sherpa — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 01:51:57 GMT

Be of good cheer, Slew, and grateful that your "home" team isn't the Carolina Panthers.

markinsac, I've lol'd at your "DOOZY" posts! Please don't be offended <grin>.

I am positively torn between Uncle Mo and Jaycito, both having shown me that they are capable of Great Things (pray the Racing gods, they stay healthy and happy). Boys at Toscanova hasn't run past 7f (iirc), so he'll have to show me he can do it. As 2yos, any of them can rise to the top so I'll just look forward and enjoy watching them.

Mr. Haskin, is Get Stormy going to the BC for sure? Some lists have him, some not. I never know just what might trigger that "I LOVE THIS HORSE!" response in me, but he's one that's done it. Here Comes Ben, too.

Riket: I, too, welcome you to the Haskin blog. I enjoyed your comments very much and hope you will share your thoughts frequently.

ruffianruns, I loved your likening the Zenyatta experience to standing before the Ocean. As someone who (growing up in Nebraska) never saw a mountain or an ocean before I came to NC at age 18, I remember that first visit to the ocean like it was yesterday (some 45 years hence). It stirred something very primal in my being, exciting almost beyond bearing. Seeing Zenyatta is akin to that, even on the various "tubes" where I have to watch her. She is a Siren and I am completely enchanted by her.

One last comment: it's such a relief to be/read here, under the auspices of Steve Haskin, where I know Respect rules the day. Thank you, sir!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Linda in Texas — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 01:32:50 GMT

Slew - I am mortified at The 'boys' and have been referring to them to my closer friends as the 'girls' and that is tacky, but deserved.

When T.O. was there at least we had something to blame it on. But bring me back a Michael Irvin - Emmett Smith and Troy Aikman trio again. The good ol' days were really just that. Nothing i loved more than to see Aikman land a long one at Michael and have him shimmy into the end zone. Poetry in motion Michael Irvin was and i loved to watch his enthusiasm. And Emmett Smith was a gutless wonder and in pain many times and was still on the field scoring. The way they played reminded me of the really good ol' days of football. George Halas's Chicago Bears playing The Green Bay Packers in snow so deep i could hardly find Coach Lombardi, another man i really admired for all he stood for. Watched those games with my dad when i was probably 12. Golden Toe Groza and Y.A. Tittle. Remember them all. I admire greatness whether it is with 2 footed or 4 footed creatures. I am not big on wimps and whiners.

And Slew,

The only interference being run on a field with the Cowboys, is Jones not accepting that Phillip's is nicht gut (not good) and needs to take a hike. Been watching The Cowboys since they were going to be called The Steers, then The Rangers, but changed to The Cowboys by Mr. Murchison and Mr. Wynne because The Ranger Baseball team rumored at that time about to fold didn't. And now look what those Rangers are doing !! And i used to cheer for the Yankees years ago.

Re: The Breeder's Cup Races, i am just thinking of the huge money lost to other countries if a shipper inner from yonder pond wins, that is all. Just being selfish. Thank's for the lesson in looking at it through wider glasses. Sometimes i am short sighted. I am so anxious about all of the races now that November 5 and 6 cannot get here soon enough.

Love Paddy O'Prado as you all know i have stated before, my love of the Grays. He was a trooper in the slush. The suspense of who is going to run in what race is tantamount to hanging by 2 ropes wondering which one is going to give way first. Lordy, Lordy Miss Claudy.

Don't ya'll just wonder what Zenyatta is thinking when they don't let her pass in training. Better not make a habit of that. She may think it is the norm !!!

Steve, do you have any idea how much money you are saving most of us at the Psychiatrist's Offices by being able to shout and spout out on this blog???? Thank you.

Maybe Blood Horse should start charging us to post and the proceeds be donated to A Jockey and or Old Racehorses/Rescue Fund.

Bandbox will be racing tomorrow.

I mentioned him a couple weeks back when he won by at least 9 lengths at Charles Town on Pink Day there in the last race. A Gray with Tapit in his bloodlines.

I need to shut up and quit hogging the mike here.

Thank you Steve and have a great 2 weeks coming up on The Breeder's Cup Races.

Go Rangers !!!!!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

ruffianruns — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:38:07 GMT

No, Linda in Texas, football talk is NOT allowed, ESPECIALLY if you're a Cowboy fan! Ask Slew! :-) Thanks for everything and the ocean.

Dr D - Uncle Mo and his brilliance reminds me of Ruffian. She broke her maiden by 15, under restraint, and tied the track record. Then went on with more and more brilliance. Can you imagine the hype about Uncle Mo if he wins several more races with similar brilliance as Ruffian did? Shiver me timbers! I can't wait for the boy's Juvy.

zenyatta mondatta - I completely agree. Especially with what Shirreffs said after today's work. They purposefully didn't let her pass anyone in the work! Yowza! Go Zenyatta!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Slew — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:46:04 GMT

PS: Linda, the more international the Breeders' Cup scene, the greater the prestige of a win. How else would we get to see these Euros et al in person. I'm thrilled the trainers are coming from other countries. It would be nice if it became as big as the Melbourne Cup is in Australia...it's practically a national holiday.

And Steve Haskin is a Cowboy fan, which is why I occasionally cry on this blog.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Slew — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:39:35 GMT

Linda: I've been a fan for 50 years. 'Boys have the talent and the potential. Super Bowl is at Cowboy stadium this year...and they have absolutely no discipline. Over 500 yrds and they LOSE?????? Do you think Jones interferes too often in the coach's decisions?

But I've been a fan of horse racing for 60 years. I've seen some awesome horses in that time, and I have never been as disappointed in a horse as I have been with the Cowboys. Big news yesterday was that Paddy O'Prado seems to be cross-entered in the Classic. Just when we thought the fields were dwindling because of defections, more trainers have opted to enter more races. I just knew Gosden would come, and he's loaded with talent. I'm getting more excited by the day.

Dr. D. I watched that @#$%& game on Sunday, and I'm feeling quite wretched. Congrats on the win; I just may make like an ostrich for the remaining season as soon as I find some sand in which to bury my head!...or buy more beer to cry in.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Shortskinnylady — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:00:57 GMT

JOHN and RIKET-

(Sorry Steve, slightly off topic, but following the chain...)

Didn't Seabiscuit run at Agua Caliente at some point? If I remember the story, during Prohibition, they took horses down to Mexico to run so you could drink while watching the horses race, and as John mentioned, many celebrities showed up there for that reason. Am I crazy?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Derby132 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:39:11 GMT

Paddy O'Prado to the BC Classic

www.desmoinesregister.com/.../Horse-racing-Paddy-O-Prado-to-run-in-America-s-richest-race

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

MonicaV — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:44:13 GMT

Paula,

I find it horrifying that anyone would hate a horse. I don't understand it. Even if you are not a fan of a horse how could you possibly hate that horse? I think some hate the connections so much that it tanslates over to the horse such as what happened to Rachel. Zenyatta's connections are not hated like Rachel's as far as I can tell. Quite frankly, I don't understand hating the connections either as most of us have no first hand knowledge of them. It seems so easy to sit in judgement of people on the blogs. I don't get it. I don't get anyone hating any horse. They are totally pure and innocent and only do what is asked of them. One of God's most beautiful creatures. Especially Zenyatta and Rachel. Just gorgeous.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

txhorsefan — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:01:30 GMT

Thank you and welcome to Riket! I really do appreciate your jumping right in and becoming part of the conversation Steve's great blogs generate. Another point of view and history of different horses is another significant way to add to our experience and learning about racing, so its great to have you here.

Maybe I'm not posting much, I don't really have much to contribute, but I'm reading and enjoying this blog, so thank you, Steve, and thank you all.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

markinsac — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:57:16 GMT

DOUBTERS OF OVERRATED ZEN YATTA (DOOZY) UPDATE:

ZENYATTA IS RUINING OUR ENVIRONMENT! Last year, 20,000 fans showed up for the Apple Blossom, this year it was 44,000. Do you know how much more emmissions Zenyatta has caused? She just melted another iceburg! Furthermore, to all those of us who used sound handicapping skills and bet against her, she is responsible for wasting enough losing tickets that was equal to 3,456 trees.

ZENYATTA IS A LUSH! This just in: there's a video circulating on youtube showing Zenyatta drinking a bottle of Guiness Beer! It's kind of fuzzy but it looks like Lindsay Lowhan is standing right next to her with a straw. Looks like the two California girls forgot to report to re-hab.

EVEN THE GREAT ONES LOSE ONCE IN AWHILE! Man O War lost to Upset, Secretariat lost to Onion proving that even the great ones lose once in awhile. Zenyatta has lost to NO ONE proving she is not a "Great One!"

Keep blogging, our time in the meter is getting short. Remember: IF SHE CATCHES THEM WE'RE THROUGH!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

zenyatta mondatta — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:54:14 GMT

I think Zenyatta is a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode. John Sherriffs has her this way for a reason. He wants her to peak in the Classic. I bet we see one hell of a race out of her.

I guarantee that most trainers and owners know this. I bet we see others withdraw before NOvember 6, 2010.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:42:59 GMT

ruffianruns

I guess we still don't know if Gio is going in the mile, or Classic. I thought it was an easy decision after his last. I could be wrong but I don't remember any turf horse winning the Classic on dirt. You're right, a threepeat for Goldi would be awesome. Uncle Mo is scary !!! Just in time for Halloween. Even after just his first race, I've never been more impressed but Jaycito still is my number one. Uncle Mo is definitely the one to beat in the BC. I would be really surprised if Jaycito could beat him at 1 1/16. Mo is going to be very interesting at 1 1/8 and then 1 1/4. He could do it eventhough there are others with seemingly better peds for a mile and a quarter. BC Juvy is going to be one of the top races because of Mo. He is already a superstar after just two races. If Mo loses the BC Juv it has to be a big upset in my mind. Boys will get plenty of action but he's no Mo so far. I'm a big Mo fan, but a bigger fan of Jaycito. There are others with big credentials but I'll wait for post BC. But honestly I can't wait to see what Mo does next. He's unreal. What a pro.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Linda in Texas — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:20:32 GMT

Ruffianruns - just read your comment about how Zenyatta makes you feel like when you are standing at the edge of an ocean. Perfect description and you experienced that in person. She looks right thru you and then some.

I appreaciate your posts and knowledge as well as everyone's.

And especially the folks who go back a few years probably before many who post were born.

I have already broken the promise to Steve that i would refrain from posting and postulating but your post came while i was writing mine and i just wanted to thank you for all of yours.

Now i am done Steve. Thanks

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

Linda in Texas — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:11:48 GMT

De nada RIKET, es un honor para mi dirigirme a usted en espanol. Yo soy el mismo que ALUMINAUT, habla espanol mejor que yo pueda escribirlo.

Hemos de entender y que nos entiendan y que es todo lo que es importante. Gracias.

(we understand you and you understand us and that is all that is important. Thank you.)

You have a son of Thunder Gulch and his name is Ajusco. That is a great name for him since Ajusco means Volcano !!! Muy bien.

I favor Zenyatta. And she surely does have 'Mira Lejos' especially when she is looking from the back of the pack to figure out how she is going to maneuver to the front of it. I think she is a grand dam for sure. But in reality, i admire and respect them all.

Gracias RIKET, y hasta pronto.

SLEW: Can we talk football on here also? Had no idea i was not the only fan of the 'boys' but have been on the fence sorta for 2 years. When Jerry was deciding on a new coach, i emailed him multiple reasons why i thought he was making a big mistake if he selected Bum's son. I lost, he hired him anyway. I feel like the energy level projected by Phillip's is lacking. I also felt a younger coach would work better with the 'boys' and perhaps feel the energy from them and redirect it in a positive direction. Hasn't happened. In each position they have talented players, it is just that they cannot 'get it all together at the same time.' And 11 penalties and 2 interceptions in one game is dreadful and is just not going to do it. And it is getting too late to catch up now. But i am a dreamer, so i won't give up, yet.

I would love to see Gio Ponti do well and i am bothered that horses that have not raced on our tracks can come in and race in the ultimate races of the year.

Yes, i know our horses go to Dubai and other countries, but i feel the Breeder's Cup should be for American Bred, Born, Raised and Raced horses. Am i short sighted also?

To me, it would be like bringing a Russian Football team in to play in the Super Bowl. Yes i know i am red necked. But also protective and loyal to all things i consider correct and sacred.

Thanks Steve, i know this is long. But i covered a lot of subjects here. I will try and refrain from postulating for a while.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Fields Taking Shape

ruffianruns — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:36:40 GMT

Riket -

Thanks for telling us about Paco's personality. Your description of Paco Boy "looking far" really reminded me of the time I spent with Zenyatta.

She is one of those that reminds you of how small you are - not really because of her size - but because she looks so far beyond whatever is happening right in front of her and so far beyond you - it's almost the way I feel when I'm standing at the edge of an ocean.

Thanks for joining in again.

Linda in Texas - Thanks for welcoming Riket in Spanish!

John - I could read about your time at the Mexican tracks forever!

Dr D - Goldi WILL run Gio down. She better! Go three-peat girls! About the Derby Dozen, is Jaycito still your #1? Uncle Mo is pretty scary! Who do you like in the Juvenile? I'm rooting for the Giants for you.

Thanks Aluminaut! I love your stories!